The Chris Watson Quintet: A Versatile Trio with Expansive Musical Heart
From intimate solos to rich quintet arrangements, the band blends jazz, blues and global influences with effortless charm.
THIS EVENT IS IN THE PAST
The Chris Watson Band, normally a tight and talented trio, expands into a flexible and expressive ensemble with the welcome addition of singer Laurette Watson and tenor saxophonist Martin Eaton. Led by Chris Watson — a superb guitarist with a gift for fluid improvisation and inventive arrangements — the group moves easily between soulful solos, acoustic moments, and full-bodied ensemble pieces.
Their recent appearance at Swaffham Jazz Club showcased the band’s remarkable range. Chris opened each half of the evening alone, creating spellbinding, unhurried improvisations on classics such as Day and Night and Misty. The trio’s core sound — with Andy Clifton’s sensitive drumming and Peter Ravenhall’s warm, grounded bass — was frequently joined by Martin’s expressive tenor sax or Laurette’s beautifully phrased vocals. Together, all five delivered standout moments, including a tender duet rendition of Dream a Little Dream of Me.
Chris’s acoustic offering, Mallorcan Skies, highlighted his flawless technique and stylistic versatility, from jazz and blues to Latin and flamenco influences. He delighted the audience by cleverly weaving one standard into another — for instance, using So What as a doorway to Moondance. The band also shared originals from their upcoming album, following their 2022 jazz homage to Jimi Hendrix. One piece, written for Laurette, foreshadowed her powerful performance of House of the Rising Sun as daylight faded.
With musical roots stretching back to childhood inspirations — from the Beatles to Ella Fitzgerald — each member brings a lifetime of passion to the stage. The result is a richly textured, thoroughly engaging evening of music that resonates long after the final note.
Sunday 28th June 2026, Upwell Jazz Club Presents:
The Chris Watson Quintet with Martin Eaton and Laurette Watson
No advanced booking required - tickets £15 Cash only, on the door.
Under 16's are free
- Chris Watson – guitar
- Andy Clifton – drums
- Peter Ravenhall – bass
- Martin Eaton – tenor saxophone
- Laurette Watson – vocals
This gig has a fabulous line-up; I can guarantee personally that this will be an absolute blast. One not to miss!.
All you need to know to attend an Upwell Jazz Club event can be found on our website contact page.
If you cannot find what you need on our website, please contact me by email: JerryPank@Gmail.com
Chris Watson - Guitars and Vocals
I was born into a musical family. I was interested in music from the word go.
I got a Drum kit for my 3rd birthday. I took up the Guitar aged 8 or 9 after hearing the Beatles Ticket To Ride and I have been dedicated to it ever since.
I enjoy playing creative music with improvisational freedom.
Andy Clifton - Drums
Andy has been playing drums since 1982, when, aged 11, he was inspired by watching Eric Delaney perform at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom. He is currently the drummer with The Very Beautiful South and enjoys playing a wide variety of music, as long as it’s well played.
Peter Ravenhall - Bass
I started playing at 10 years of age. The Shadows, Hank Marvin was the reason I started playing!
I love playing Hendrix in The Chris Watson band because it’s so free.
Laurette Evelyn - Vocals
Laurette is a Peterborough based Blues/Jazz/Pop/ singer songwriter & teacher.
Martin Eaton - Sax
Martin is a long-established Norfolk jazz musician, known for tenor sax and vocals.
With roots in the Royal Artillery Band, he’s spent decades performing across East Anglia. He leads the Front Row Big Band and plays in various small groups.
A few videos of The Chris Watson Quintet
"Wes Way"
The Chris Watson Quintet
A homage to Wes Montgomery
Chris Watson – guitar, Andy Clifton – drums, Peter Ravenhall
The Chris Watson Quintet - recorded at The Swaffham Jazz Club.
Chris Watson – guitar, Andy Clifton – drums, Peter Ravenhall – bass, Martin Eaton – tenor saxophone
Sung by Laurette Watson, backed by The Chris Watson Band
Chris Watson – guitar, Andy Clifton – drums, Peter Ravenhall – bass, Martin Eaton – tenor saxophone, Laurette Watson – vocals
Recorded at The Ship, Oundle
Chris Watson (guitar), Liam Dunachie (keys), Jim Mullen (guitar), Dave Jackson (drums), Laurie Jacobs (reeds)
🥁 Swingin’ Through the Towns: Local Jazz Line-Up
| Artist | Date | Time | Venue | Price | More info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ivan Garford, Frances Wyatt & The Orchestra of Britton's Peers | Sat 31st Oct 2026 | 7:30 pm | West Road Convert Hall, Cambridge | £15 unreserved | Details |
| The Eddie Seales Big Band | Tue 3rd Nov 2026 | 8:30pm to 10:30pm - doors 8pm | William Burt Social Club, PE33 0JYEvent cancelled due to building work at the Social Club |
£10 CASH on the door | Details |
| Jazz at The Blackfriars, Boston - Dave Jackson & Friends | Sun 8th Nov 2026 | Doors 6:30 pm - music 7 pm to 9 pm | Blackfriars Theatre, Spain Lane, Boston PE21 6HP | £9 - Tickets available on the door or in advance Blackfriars Theatre, Boston | Details |
| The Melody Brooker Band | Tue 10th Nov 2026 | Doors 7pm, music 7:30pm onwards | Swaffham Jazz Club, Swaffham PE37 7DD | £10 CASH on the door | Details |
| The Dave Newton Quintet | Wed 11th Nov 2026 | Doors @ 7:30 pm | Fleece Jazz - Stoke by Nayland resort | £20 | Details |
| The Soke Big Band (PBO) | Sat 14th Nov 2026 | Music from 7:30 pm | Priory Church, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8NP | £15 CASH or CARD in advance or on the door | Details |
| Adrian Cox Quintet - New Orleans Jazz | Fri 20th Nov 2026 | 7:30p pm | The Hunter Club, 6 St Andrews Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3PH | £22 in advance | Details |
| The Greg Abate Quintet featuring Nat Steele | Sat 21st Nov 2026 | 7:45pm music start | The Key Theatre, Peterborough PE1 1EF | Prices from £24 | Details |
| The Jim Mullen Organ Quartet | Sun 29th Nov 2026 | Music from 12:30 to 2:45pm | Upwell Jazz Club, Christchurch Community Centre PE14 9LL | £15 CASH on the door | Details |
| The Eddie Seales Big Band | Tue 1st Dec 2026 | 8:30pm to 10:30pm - doors 8pm | William Burt Social Club, PE33 0JYEvent in doubt due to building work at the Social Club |
£10 CASH on the door | Details |
| The Chris Ingham Quintet featuring Joanna Eden | Sat 5th Dec 2026 | Music begins at 7:30pm | The Corn Hall, Diss IP22 4LB | £23 all seats | Details |
| Rebop - The Blues and the Abstract Truth | Fri 18th Dec 2026 | Doors, 7 pm, Music 7:30 pm | The Hunter Club, 6 St Andrews Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3PH | £24 in advance | Details |
| The Harry Allen & Fraser Smith Quintet | Sun 17th Jan 2027 | 7:45pm music start | The Key Theatre, Peterborough PE1 1EF | Prices from £24 | Details |
| Peter Neighbour, Julian Stringle & Friends | Sun 14th Mar 2027 | Music from 12:30 to 2:45pm | Upwell Jazz Club, Christchurch Community Centre PE14 9LL | £15 CASH on the door | Details |
| The Soke Big Band (Upwell) | Sun 27th Jun 2027 | Music from 12:30 to 2:45pm | Upwell Jazz Club, Christchurch Community Centre PE14 9LL | £15 CASH on the door | Details |
| Artists to be confirmed | Mon 26th Jul 2027 | Music from 12:30 to 2:45pm | Upwell Jazz Club, Christchurch Community Centre PE14 9LL | £15 CASH on the door | Details |
| Artists to be confirmed | Sun 28th Nov 2027 | Music from 12:30 to 2:45pm | Upwell Jazz Club, Christchurch Community Centre PE14 9LL | £15 CASH on the door | Details |
Ivan Garford, Frances Wyatt & The Orchestra of Britton's Peers
Date: Sat 31st Oct 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Venue: West Road Convert Hall, Cambridge
Price: £15 unreserved
Full detailsThe Eddie Seales Big Band
Date: Tue 3rd Nov 2026
Time: 8:30pm to 10:30pm - doors 8pm
Venue: William Burt Social Club, PE33 0JY
Event cancelled due to building work at the Social Club
Price: £10 CASH on the door
Full detailsJazz at The Blackfriars, Boston - Dave Jackson & Friends
Date: Sun 8th Nov 2026
Time: Doors 6:30 pm - music 7 pm to 9 pm
Venue: Blackfriars Theatre, Spain Lane, Boston PE21 6HP
Price: £9 - Tickets available on the door or in advance Blackfriars Theatre, Boston
Full detailsThe Melody Brooker Band
Date: Tue 10th Nov 2026
Time: Doors 7pm, music 7:30pm onwards
Venue: Swaffham Jazz Club, Swaffham PE37 7DD
Price: £10 CASH on the door
Full detailsThe Dave Newton Quintet
Date: Wed 11th Nov 2026
Time: Doors @ 7:30 pm
Venue: Fleece Jazz - Stoke by Nayland resort
Price: £20
Full detailsThe Soke Big Band (PBO)
Date: Sat 14th Nov 2026
Time: Music from 7:30 pm
Venue: Priory Church, Deeping St James, Peterborough PE6 8NP
Price: £15 CASH or CARD in advance or on the door
Full detailsAdrian Cox Quintet - New Orleans Jazz
Date: Fri 20th Nov 2026
Time: 7:30p pm
Venue: The Hunter Club, 6 St Andrews Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3PH
Price: £22 in advance
Full detailsThe Greg Abate Quintet featuring Nat Steele
Date: Sat 21st Nov 2026
Time: 7:45pm music start
Venue: The Key Theatre, Peterborough PE1 1EF
Price: Prices from £24
Full detailsThe Jim Mullen Organ Quartet
Date: Sun 29th Nov 2026
Time: Music from 12:30 to 2:45pm
Venue: Upwell Jazz Club, Christchurch Community Centre PE14 9LL
Price: £15 CASH on the door
Full detailsThe Eddie Seales Big Band
Date: Tue 1st Dec 2026
Time: 8:30pm to 10:30pm - doors 8pm
Venue: William Burt Social Club, PE33 0JY
Event in doubt due to building work at the Social Club
Price: £10 CASH on the door
Full detailsThe Chris Ingham Quintet featuring Joanna Eden
Date: Sat 5th Dec 2026
Time: Music begins at 7:30pm
Venue: The Corn Hall, Diss IP22 4LB
Price: £23 all seats
Full detailsRebop - The Blues and the Abstract Truth
Date: Fri 18th Dec 2026
Time: Doors, 7 pm, Music 7:30 pm
Venue: The Hunter Club, 6 St Andrews Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 3PH
Price: £24 in advance
Full detailsThe Harry Allen & Fraser Smith Quintet
Date: Sun 17th Jan 2027
Time: 7:45pm music start
Venue: The Key Theatre, Peterborough PE1 1EF
Price: Prices from £24
Full detailsPeter Neighbour, Julian Stringle & Friends
Date: Sun 14th Mar 2027
Time: Music from 12:30 to 2:45pm
Venue: Upwell Jazz Club, Christchurch Community Centre PE14 9LL
Price: £15 CASH on the door
Full detailsThe Soke Big Band (Upwell)
Date: Sun 27th Jun 2027
Time: Music from 12:30 to 2:45pm
Venue: Upwell Jazz Club, Christchurch Community Centre PE14 9LL
Price: £15 CASH on the door
Full detailsArtists to be confirmed
Date: Mon 26th Jul 2027
Time: Music from 12:30 to 2:45pm
Venue: Upwell Jazz Club, Christchurch Community Centre PE14 9LL
Price: £15 CASH on the door
Full detailsArtists to be confirmed
Date: Sun 28th Nov 2027
Time: Music from 12:30 to 2:45pm
Venue: Upwell Jazz Club, Christchurch Community Centre PE14 9LL
Price: £15 CASH on the door
Full details#LocalJazzGems #UpwellJazzClub #LiveMusic #JazzNight #WorldClassJazz #JazzPerformance #JazzQuintet #LiveJazzExperience #MusicConnection #JazzLovers